Jacob Bernstein, Staff Writer–
As a lifelong foodie, my friends would likely tell you that I can be a food connoisseur at times. However, I would like to think that my hobby has some purpose for the greater good.
As we approach the end of the semester and the beginning of summer internships, campus jobs, and research placements, I think it is a great time to highlight some of the best food places around town.
Of course, it makes sense to begin with the best eats in Granville. This is the hardest category to narrow down, but my top three places are Village Coffee, Alfie’s and Gouma’s Candyland.
Village Coffee has a nice blend for coffees that is not too bitter, and during the warmer months, I especially enjoy their frozen hot chocolates. Their New York-style bagel sandwiches and crumbly but flavorful scones are also highly recommended.
If you are not a coffee lover, head on over to Alfie’s to savor their array of fresh and local sandwiches and salads. Not only is the food delicious, but it is also quite healthy; Alfie’s makes sure to include many vegetarian and vegan dishes that are packed with protein and savory dressings.
Finally, I must say that Gouma’s Candyland has some of the best chocolate I have ever had, and in particular, their pecan clusters and dark almond bark are incredible.
If you have an internship or job placement closer to Columbus, do not worry, as there are plenty of good eats out there as well.
Brassica has locations all over the city, and is known for their savory Mediterranean-style cuisine; I call it the Mediterranean Chipotle, as they prepare the grilled ingredients right in front of you. Unlike Chipotle, though, they also offer salty, crispy french fries.
Northstar Cafe is another Columbus classic; it’s ground chuck burger is my favorite, but they have a variety of carefully crafted items to choose from.
If you’re near downtown Columbus, check out South Village Grille. You may have to make a reservation since it always seems to be packed, but it’s worth it. My family and I visited last summer and recommend ordering the beignets, which are fried, powdery mini donuts.
Finally, if you are in the suburbs and want a bakery, visit Fox in the Snow Cafe; the signature desserts include giant chocolate chip cookies and fluffy coffee cakes. For a nice night out, head up north to Giammarco’s in Westerville to experience great Italian food. And if you have no idea what you are craving, the North Market in Dublin has several great international restaurants, including Moroccan cuisine, Korean barbeque, Vietnamese dishes, and Cuban specialties.
As someone who is not originally from the Columbus area, I felt like I hit the jackpot when I finally found some places to get off campus and enjoy. Treat yourself to a night out this summer if you are in the area, you deserve it!
Jacob Bernstein ‘26 is a psychology major from Pittsburgh.